The $1.3 million reconstruction of the lower tier of the museum’s historically significant English, Italian and Olmsted Gardens started in January and was completed in June. Historic records from the Cummer family archives, including plant logs, photographs and invoices, were incorporated into the reconstruction plans to preserve the original intent and historic character of the riverfront gardens, which were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.

Funds for the reconstruction came from grants and private donations from several benefactors, including the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts, the State of Florida, the Garden Conservancy and the Garden Club of America’s Restoration Initiative.